Browse Category: Sewing for Girls

Hey friends!! Feels like we were just here talking about how amazing One Thimble’s last issue was and then I realized it’s because i’ve been pretty MIA since the last issue, but i’m back with a peak at Issue 18, which is on virtual stands NOW!!!

In this issue, The Wolf and the Tree brings us Abby’s Ballerina Tie Top. A beautifully simple top, that steps up a notch with the addition of wide wrap ties.

There are 3 sleeve lengths, as well as a regular neck, or cowl option. You can also make the ties single or double sided. I went with the double sided option just for fun, I love the little extra something it adds.

I also am so in love with this gorgeous knit from Art Gallery Fabrics. Its so soft and comfortable but still super classy. I believe this one is out of stock now but check out Phat Quarters Fabric for other fabulous prints from AGF, you definitely will not be disappointed!

As with every issue of One Thimble, this one is full of phenomenal patterns, tutorials and articles. Since there’s no way I could share it all with you myself, be sure to follow along the rest of our blog tour to see what else this issue has in store!

What a week!!! Thank you so much to everyone who followed along with us, I hope you’ve found some new inspiration and ideas to use with your own kids. I know I had a great time seeing all the different looks everyone created.

One more HUGE thank you to all our sponsors, this would not have been possible without their support!

Welcome to day 2 of our tour! It’s been so fun to read all the comments shared about what challenges you face or what tips you might have when it comes to sewing for your older kiddos. One of the things I saw mentioned a few times was finding fabrics at a reasonable cost, or not being able to see/feel them ahead of time because you’re having to order online. Trust me, I face those same things! I do have some secrets to share though…

I’ll admit, I miss being able to make some of the cute character things for her, i’m in SO many custom fabric groups that it’s really tempting. Ultimately what she wants, is fabrics that are going to blend into the background; prints that looks most like those we could buy at a store. Fabrics like this beautiful plaid from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This is one of their Club fabrics, essentially one that is designed for them and then printed in house. For those that don’t have a touch and feel computer screen it is SO SOFT!! Even better, they are afforable! At roughly $10-12 a yard I don’t feel super guilty making items that I know will get worn on a regular basis.

That bring us to the next thing… patterns that are “approved” by the boss for every day wear. Lately she has been designing her own patterns… meaning she draws it out and expects me to translate that into something I can make, HAHA! Often there are some patterns that I can make minor changes to or combine to get just what she wants. Here is her latest design

Camden Raglan – Harry Potter is definitely an exception to the no character rule!!

Another favorite, is just about anything athletic related. So while I picked up the New Horizons 11th Hour Gear to use for my little guy, Ry has also decided she LOVES the pants!

Want a chance to win ALL the patterns I mentioned, PLUS giftcards for fabric to make them??? Dont miss out on our awesome giveaway!! You can enter HERE! Huge thank you to all our sponsors, these prizes are really impressive!!!

Welcome to our debut Growing Up Handmade blog tour! I am so excited to be hosting this amazing group of bloggers, they have some really great ideas to share with you all!

As a mom to a fabulous, independent, driven and sometimes full of attitude 9 year old, it’s been increasingly difficult to find that common ground when it comes to homemade clothing. I have to be sure to find trendy fabrics and patterns so that what i’m making doesn’t just hang in the closet unworn. I thought if I was having this issue there had to be others in the same boat, and wouldn’t it be great to have a whole week dedicated to ideas and styles that might make everyone’s job a little easier?! So that brings us here!

Follow along this week for lots of ideas that you can hopefully incorporate into your summer lineup! BUT to sweeten the week, we have an AWESOME group of sponsors and we’ve been able to put together TWO incredible prize packages totaling over $500!!!!!

Your first chance to win is simple, just click HERE and check out all our fabulous sponsors! Contest ends on Thursday 4/20 and winner will be announced on Friday the 21st. This prize package includes over $100 in giftcards for fabric from Raspberry Creek, Phat Quarters and Purpleseamstress, the FULL Girls Boho pattern collection from Petite Stitchery plus additional patterns to bring that fabric to life from Winter Wear, Hey June, Made for Mermaids, Greenstyle, Love Notions, Patterns for Pirates, Striped Swallow, SisBoom, EYMM, Simple Life Pattern Co and StitchART free motion.

Our 2nd package includes $70 in fabric giftcards from So Sew English and Simply by Ti, plus your choice of a pattern (or two in a few instances) from each of the following designers Winter Wear, Hey June, Made for Mermaids, Greenstyle, 5 out of 4 Patterns, Striped Swallow, EYMM and Simple Life Pattern Co. To enter for THIS package just join our linkup party!! One person that shares will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday also.

What, you thought I was going to say three bears?? Haha! Well, techincally you’re right but not today.

I am always thrilled to be part of sharing new fabrics from Riley Blake. This gorgeous new collection from Jill Howarth is no exception. She has such a whimsical but very classic illustration of the ever loved Goldilocks and the Three Bears story. I only touch on a few of the colors/prints but you can see the full collection here.

I knew I wanted my pattern choice to be a more simple style but still something that highlighted the main scene as well as the coordinates. The Molly Dress from The Simple Life Pattern Co was perfect! With the updated slim peter pan collar, it has a modern twist on a very classic look.

I modified the pattern slightly to include a bottom band and tuxedo ruffle, utilizing this beautiful teal mushroom coordinate and this ever so subtle hatch also in teal.

For the collar I decided on the cream bears, again its a subtle print but works amazing with the collection.

The back of the Molly dress is probably my favorite aspect of the design. The lower scoop back with the continued collar is stunning!

My sweet model was a little under the weather (she’s usually all smiles) but was such a trooper to still work with me on these!

Now for my surprise!!
Katie from The Simple Life has graciously to give away any pattern of your choice from her collection! How awesome is that?!?!

There are still several days left of our tour so don’t miss any of the other fabulous inspiration using the Goldilocks collection. Be sure to check Riley Blake for links to the participating bloggers each day.

My how time flies!! I can’t believe its already release day for a new issue of One Thimble! I’m hoping by now some of you have bought past issues and have been able to enjoy first hand all the awesomeness that lies in those virtual pages. This issue is no different!
(NOTE: the following contains affiliate links)

What you can expect when you get your issue –

258 pages filled with informative articles, tips and pattern pieces

10… yes, TEN patterns!

Active hyperlinks throughout, making it super simple to jump to exactly what you want read or a visit to a shop being advertised (can’t get that with that ‘ol paper magazine!)

3 extra tutorials with directions/cut instructions

PLUS!!! If you purchase before 11/14 you can get an EARLY BIRD BONUS! A gorgeous printable 2017 calendar featuring vintage Singer sewing machines.

How much you ask? While you could expect to drop a pretty penny on such valuable information, each issue is only $25 AUD (at the current conversion thats less than $20 USD) That works out for us Stateside folks at under $2/pattern!!

Reading through this issue, I was excited to see an article from Kristie Gilbert of Boo! Designs about sewing with knits. Knits are my passion for sure and so many people are afraid of trying them. She has some great ideas and work-around tips for everyone to give knits a shot! Boo! Designs also has a lovely swim pattern included… stay tuned next week for my pictures of that sewn up!

There are also some fantastic tips about working with and choosing leathers as your medium. This is the perfect time to try sewing with leather, especially since there is a beautiful clutch pattern included!

Sakuro Clutch by Little Moo Designs

I also love reading up on the business related articles, making Facebook and Pinterest work more effectively for my own business is always welcome information!

How about a holiday gift guide?? A collection of items you can make for all your fiends and family from issues past… oh yes its there!! And if you need to give anyone ideas for gifts for you… what about a One Thimble subscription?? Its a gift that keeps giving!

There is so much more to read but I can’t give away all the good stuff right??? You will have to pick up your own copy to check out the rest!

Yes… thats really the best picture we got, haha! Darn 8 yr olds and their attitudes…

Now, I know your thinking… but you said there were 10 patterns and all we’ve heard about are articles…. the wait is over! I had this fun donut fabric hanging around and it was beyond PERFECT for Danny Donut. Danny Donut is one of 3 free motion appliques in this issue. This one is great if you have never done free motion before, as it can really be done as traditional applique as well.

Danny Donut Kawii Applique by Cut Sew Love

I used the donut fabric on a pair of Orbis Harem Skinny Pants from Sofilantjes. We went with a cropped version, and no pockets (per miss things request)

I love the angled button placard, what a fun detail!

Ryleigh was so proud of the phrase she came up with on her shirt we’d love to share with everyone… how about a free cut file to add the same text to your Danny Donut?? Click HERE to download.

There is SO SO much more to share from this issue and all the insanely talented ladies below are going to be adding some things in along our tour over the next week so be sure to check in with them all!

I had the pleasure of sewing up a few versions of the Rowan Raglan and i’m excited to finally be able to share. I’m totally a sucker for being able to buy 1 pattern and use it for both kiddos AND have it fit both well. I’m happy to report that this is one unisex pattern that I will most definitely be using again!

Read all about the multitude of options and get some inspiration from a few of the other reviewers on today’s Pattern Revolution blog.

Can you believe its that time again already?? The newest issue of One Thimble has hit the virtual stands and its amazing! (as if we had any doubts, right?!)

I have a few things i’ve been making from this and i’m going to share one of them today. I was in a little fender bender this weekend and its slowed my sewing down a little so I do apologize. Stay tuned for this sweet little number still to come!!

But while you wait, I have been dying to share these pictures of the Thread Faction #111 Dress. I’ll be honest, I’m pretty sure this is my first Thread Faction pattern and all I can say is WOW! I really love the simplicity of the #111 dress. Oh and don’t let the word simplicity fool you though… there is nothing plain about this dress. I can see endless possibilities to add your own twist or style to it, making it so super special.

Here in the midwest we have hot fall weather pretty frequently, so I moved on from bright summer colors and paired up this gorgeous geometric fox print (from Sweet N Charmed Fabrics) with a drape-y tan slub knit. We are loving it for back to school and it will be perfect as it cools down too, layered with long sleeves and leggings.

The pattern comes in sizes 2-10 and features a fully lined bodice. Its a great pattern for intermediate beginners who already have some basic sewing skills. The skirt is actually gathered with clear elastic which is a great technique to learn if you haven’t tried it before.

Afraid to commit to the whole magazine? You could always just buy single patterns but lets do some math…. The Thread Faction dress i’ve shared today is $8.00 … the other patterns range from $6-$15 and include everything from accessories to a woman’s skirt. For $25 you get 10 … yes TEN patterns, plus over 20 articles with tons of tips and tricks of the trade. No brainer right?!?! Or you could go ahead and just buy the 3 or so you want and spend $30… your choice! 😉

So go check it out, find some amazing inspiration and come back and share what you loved. Leave a comment with your favorite pattern for a chance to win a free yard of fabric from my stash!

Also don’t forget to follow along the rest of our tour for more lovely items from this issue!

Welcome back!! We are taking on a few new skills today while teaching my 8 yr old how to navigate a sewing machine. I know last week I promised a tutorial and that Ry would have something to add but it is after all summer vacation and highly unpredictable so I apologize that those things are running a tad behind but you won’t have to wait long, I have on good authority that you’ll see a tutorial tomorrow.

On day 2 of our instruction we worked on a small pouch. Knowing how she learns best, I know that having something she can walk away with will keep her attention more than anything so we picked a small project that would incorporate several of the things I wanted to go over today –

sewing to connect 2 pieces of fabric and how to keep them together while sewing

pivoting at corners and points

turning a project

ironing

edge stitching /top stitching

zig zag stitch

So lets get started… kids and pins. Not the best combination but there are other options to keep your fabric in place vs pinning. My personal preference is Wonder Clips* by Clover. These aren’t just awesome for kids but are also great for holding pieces together that might be too thick for pins, or with materials such as vinyl or leather that pins will leave holes in.

You can also use Wonder Tape*. We are going to use it later in this lesson when we add the velcro to our pouch but Jenn over at A Jennuine Life talks about using it in place of pins during her Tiny Sewists Series. This is a great follow along series, especially for younger kids.

The pouch we are making today is a great way to learn pivoting since it has a few different points to address. There are right angles at the corners but also, the point at the top of the flap, and the also the wider point at the bottom of the flap. To help Ryleigh learn where to stop stitching and pivot I added some dots using an erasable pen. They will be on the inside, so not visible, but its nice to know it can removed if needed. We also mark where to start/stop to leave the opening for turning.

I think the most difficult thing we tackled here is remembering to keep the needle down before lifting the presser foot but once she started remembering that, things went pretty smooth.

We clipped the corners and discussed that we clip those to help reduce the bulk when its turned. Then using a knitting needle, the pouch was turned and she worked the corners out, being careful not to push too hard to avoid going through the fabric.

Ironing…this part made me a little nervous but its something that she needs to know. I kept the steam off for now until she is a little more comfortable and i think that helped her from being afraid of it. She learned to smooth out the fabric first and then iron with slow motions keeping her other hand out of the way. She did an amazing job!

Using the overlock foot that came with the machine, she top stitched the bottom edge that we had left open to turn the pouch. While it may not be the fully intended purpose, it works great for helping line up stitches along the edge of a fabric, and i think really helps instill a little extra confidence.

For the closure we went with velcro, this was a great way to introduce the zig zag stitch. Since a straight stitch and zig zag will really work for almost all sewing projects, I’m only focusing on those with her right now. It will be a lot of fun to play with the over 200 decorative stitches on the Sparrow but first we master the basics. This machine is super easy for her to make changes to the stitches. It’s making my job pretty easy 🙂

Using the same overlock foot, she carefully went around the velcro like she’s been doing it for years. Definitely impressed me!

Back to a little more top stitching and pivoting to finish up the pouch and she’s done!

She’s so proud of her work, which is honestly the best part of our lessons!!

I’m thrilled to be helping celebrate Sofilantjes’ 2nd Anniversary! Anne is an amazing designer and her patterns are so well loved in our house. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on her testing team for several patterns and I’m always in awe of her unique ideas.

It’s always a huge plus for me when I can use the same patterns for both kids. I have a horrible wonderful pattern buying habit and I suppose being able to reduce a few here or there is probably helpful, haha! Even better, is when you can (with a little experience) throw a few patterns together to get something completely new!

The Summer Surprise Top has been on my list to try for awhile now. It has a sweet back bow and little pleat in the front that takes just a simple tee/tank and bumps it up a notch.

The Domi Sweats are in my tried and true stack of bottom patterns. We love the rounded pockets (although Miss Thang said she didn’t want pockets this time) and since they come in shorts or pants they are perfect year round.

To combine the two I started with the Skinny Top version and lowered the bow by about an inch in the back. I wanted to make sure it was easy enough to slide up and down over the shoulders, but not too easy. Then I added a few rows of shirring along the bottom of the top.

I made the pants per the pattern, only shortening them a little to an in between shorts/capri length. Instead of adding the waistband I just attached the pants directly to the top. Voila!

Can you tell she loved it?? With just a few days left of 2nd grade she says her outfits have to be just right and I was informed this one makes the cut! Go mom!! haha! (side note… I cannot believe my baby will be in rd grade!!)

As she gets older cutesy fabrics just don’t fly around here for anything but pj’s. For this one Halla Fabricss sent me this gorgeous blue chevron from Znok, isn’t it amazing? And the gray Stenzo solid from Mabel Madison was a perfect match!

Want to try mashing up a few on your own? With code CELEBRATE you can take 25% off all Sofilantjes patterns (bundles excl.) through May 29th.

We have some fabulous sponsors with amazing gifts for those of you following along!! For today, Day 2, we have 11 patterns to give away. Will run untill May 26, 12 AM (GMT+1) (Amsterdam time)ENTER HERE!!

Want more chances to win? And more gorgeous inspiration? Follow the rest of our tour –